Representatives from Mercer University welcomed AT&T and the It Can Wait campaign to campus today to address a dangerous practice—smartphone driving distractions. Research shows that 7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving. It’s no longer safe to assume that people are just texting from behind the wheel.

To drive home the message and these new findings, AT&T brought a virtual reality simulator to the University allowing students, faculty and administrators to experience firsthand how dangerous it can be when you take your eyes off the road and direct them onto your phone.

“My job keeps me on the go, and I certainly understand the temptation to reach for my smartphone when I hear it buzz or ring,” said State Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon). “Despite that temptation, I also recognize the serious risks associated with distracted driving, and I am glad that the students and faculty at Mercer have the opportunity through this virtual reality simulator to better recognize the dangers of distracted driving.”
 
“Since AT&T first launched this campaign, nearly 8 million people have taken the pledge not to text and drive,’ said Terry Smith, Regional Director of External Affairs with AT&T Georgia. “As a team, we are confident that as we continue to work with educators, law enforcement and other local leaders, we will reach many millions more.”
 
It Can Wait is a national movement urging drivers to visit www.ItCanWait.com, where they can pledge to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phone, and share their pledge with others via Twitter (#ItCanWait) and Facebook. What started as a campaign focused on not texting and driving has now expanded its focus to the broader dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel. Since its launch in 2010, the campaign has:

· Helped drive awareness of the dangers of texting while driving to about 90% for all audiences surveyed.

· Inspired nearly 8 million pledges not to text and drive.

· Worked with departments of transportation in Texas, Kentucky and other states on research that suggests a correlation between It Can Wait campaign activities and a reduction in crashes.

Samsung, Bose and Google are supporting the immersive tour experience, which is delivered through Samsung Gear VR, with premium sound from Bose QuietComfort® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.